Roofing felt laying machine



Sept. 20, 1966 w. J. SIMS 3,273,533

ROOFING FELT LAYING MACHINE Filed Nov. 26, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. WENDE L J. S/MS l jag; 40

Sept. 20, 1966 w, J. SIMS 3,273,533

ROOFING FELT LAYING MACHINE Filed Nov. 26, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Flt-7-3 INVENTOR. WENDEL J. S/MS A T TOPNE V Sept. 20, 1966 w. J. SIMS 3,273,533

ROOFING FELT LAYING MACHINE Filed Nov. 26, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

WE NDE L J SIMS BYyz/imyf AT TOPNEV United States Patent 3,273,533 ROUFTNG FELT LAYING MACHINE Wendel .l. dims, Rte. 1, Box 90, Gilroy, Calif. Filed Nov. 26, 1963, Ser. No. 326,011 (Ilaims. (Cl. 113-435) This invention relates to a new and improved machine for laying roofing felt. The machine which is the subject of this invention is of the type to apply tar or other adhesive to the underside of roofing felt, or similar web material, as it is dispensed from a roll and applied to a roof.

Essentially, the present machine provides a carriage which may be held stationary or, preferably, moved along the length of the roof supporting a trough for liquid tar or roofing compound.

Rotatable in the trough is a preforated drum, the top of the drum extending above the top of the trough. A roll of roofing felt is supported above the trough with its lower side in contact with the drum. As the felt is unwound from the roll it passes over the top of the drum and receives a coating of tar on its underside.

A feature of the present invention is the facility with which the machine may be adapted to various conditions which may be encountered on different types of roofs. Thus, as a particular advantage of the invention, the trough is mounted on its carriage in a swivel connection about a vertical axis. The swivel connection makes it possible, while the machine is in motion, to make a correction in the direction the felt is being laid out. Thus the roll of felt remains at a right angle to the line of distribution and wrinkles or fish mouths in the felt are eliminated. By reason of the swivel, the machine may be reversed in direction.

A further advantage of the swivel mounting is that it is not necessary to move the machine laterally to lay the felt on the exact ply line. Thus, the trough may be turned to right or left either by manual movement or by a man located at a distance pulling the web of felt to one side or the other.

Another feautre of the invention is the fact that the trough may be tilted about a horizontal axis to accommodate roofs of different pitch, the tilting of the trough being accomplished merely by turning a crank located at a convenient position.

A still further feature of the invention is the fact that the trough may be tilted about a horizontal axis transverse to the previously mentioned axis of tilting. A horizontal slot may be formed in the trough, if desired, through which tar may be poured onto the roof.

A still further advantage of the invention is the fact that the carirage may be moved along the length of the roof and the felt dispensed by holding the end of the felt stationary as the cartridge is moved or, alternatively, the carriage may be held stationary and blocked or locked in place and the felt pulled manually from the machine with equal facility.

Another feature of the invention is the means whereby the roll of felt is mounted and guided relative to the trough and drum to prevent the web from getting out of proper alignment.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that the elevation of the trough above the surface on which the carriage moves may be adjusted merely by turning the trough around its pivot axis.

A still further feature of the invention is the fact that it may be conveniently disassembled and reassembled. This feature of the invention not only makes it possible to transport and store the machine with facility, but also is of considerable importance when the machine must be hoisted to a roof. The machine may be disassembled into 3,273,533 Patented Sept. 20, 1966 four separate parts and each part individually hoisted to the roof and quickly and conveniently reassembled without the use of special tools or skills.

A still further feature and advantage of the invention is the fact that it materially reduces the labor required in laying roofing felt and, also, reduces the amount of skill required by the workman.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the machine.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view partially broken away to reduce space.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the machine.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

As heretofore mentioned, a feature of the machine is the fact that it is assembled from various sub-assemblies which may be individually hoisted to a roof. Thus, as best shown in FIG. 1, there is provided an undercarriage '11 comprising a horizontally disposed frame consisting of longitudinal members 12 and transverse members 13 which are rectangular in top plan. At each corner there is a depending leg 14 to the lower end of which is attached by means of an axle 16 a wheel 17. This enables the carriage to be rolled along the roof, or the carriage may be held stationary. Adjacent the middle of each of the transverse members 13 is a pair of apertured upstanding lugs 18 vertically disposed and spaced apart a slight distance for a purpose which hereinafter appears.

A second sub-assembly of the machine is illustrated in FIG. 1 and comprises the sub-frame 21. At the forward end of the sub frame are two inverted channel sections 22 spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the distance between lugs 18. The sections 22 are aligned and are welded to bridging bars 23, providing a rigid assembly. The channels 22 fit on top of one of the transverse horizontal members 13 of the carriage 11 with the lugs 18 fitting up between the adjacent ends of the channels 22 and between the bars 23. Extending transversely to channels 22 is an elongated tube 24 which is rigidly secured to the channels 22 by transverse member 26 and braces 27 which are welded to channels 22. At the opposite end of tube 24 is an upstanding tubular section 28 formed with a longitudinal slot 29. Within tube 24 is a shaft 31 supported at either end of tube 24 by internal bushings 32. One end of shaft 31 is fixed to a vertical, internallythreaded socket 33. The opposite end of shaft 31 is fixed to a crank 34 which extends laterally of tube 24. The upper end of tube 28 carries a collar 36 through which fits a threaded rod 37 rotatively held relative to collar 36 by snap rings 38. Rod 37 on its outer end has a hand crank 39. 'In threaded engagement with rod 37 in the interior of tube 28 is a nut 41 having an ear 4-2 which projects out through slot 29. Ear 42 is connected to crank 34 by connecting arm 43. Thus by turning crank 39 shaft 3 1 may be turned in either direction and this causes a pivoting of threaded tube 33 relative to a longitudinal horizontal axis for a purpose which is hereinafter explained. Spring 44 (FIG. 5) interconnects socket 33 and a side frame member 12 to enhance the rigidity of the machine.

The third sub-assembly of the machine is the trough 46, a sheet metal member having front and rear bottom sections 47, 48. Front section 47 curves upwardly and rear section 43 slants upwardly from juncture 49 which extends horizontally transversely across the machine. The sides 51 of the trough are substantially vertical and their top edges slope downwardly at the rearward end and horizontally from the middle to the forward end. On either side of the machine is a vertical slot 52 formed in side 51 approximately over the juncture 49. The forward end 53 of the trough slants upwardly rearwardly and has a slight transverse inward lip 54 extending across the machine. Horizontal slot 55 optionally is formed in forward end 53 above the level of the lower end of slots 52, so that if the trough is tipped forwardly tar may be poured through slot 55 onto the roof. The rearward end 56 of the trough is substantially vertical but at one side the end slants rearwardly in a chute 57 for the purpose of adding tar or compound to the interior of the trough. A drain plug 58 is provided to remove tar.

Attached to the bottom of trough 46 below intersection 49 is a screw 61 supported by bracket 62. Screw 61 is threaded into threaded socket 33. By revolving trough 46 and screw 61 the elevation of the trough relative to the sub-frame '21 may be adjusted. Further, the angle which trough 46 assumes relative to subframe 21 and base 11 may be adjusted by turning the trough 46 around relative to tube 33. There are certain elements located on trough 46 to guide the felt but a description of these particular parts will 'be deferred until after the drum 66 is described.

The fourth part of the machine is the drum 66. Such drum has a perforated cylindrical portion 67, the holes 68 permitting the drum to sink in the tar 70 inside trough 46, and also lessening the affinity of the asphalt or compound for the surface of the roller. The cylindrical portion 67 is closed at either end with a round end disc 69 from which projects a stub shaft 71 which fits in slot 52 so that the drum 66 is partially immersed in the tar 70. Cranks 72 at either end of the drum extend outside the trough 46 and may be used to manually turn the drum 66 to prime its surface. The length of slot 52 is sufiicient so that the drum may be immersed as best shown in FIG. 4.

Returning now to the description of the trough 46, it will be seen that the lip 54 is almost tangent to the cylindrical portion 67 of drum 66 so that the tar does not tend to splash out of the trough. Similarly on the opposite side of the drum a bafile 76 extends transversely across the trough, its forward edge being slightly to the rear of tangency with cylindrical portion 67.

Extending across the trough is an inverted channel 77 from which at intervals extend upwardly pairs of ears 78 which receive the pins 79 of rollers 81. A roll 82 of roofing felt is installed so that it rests against rollers 81 and against the cylindrical portions 67 of drum 66. As the web 83 is pulled from the machine it passes over the top of drum 66 and the roll 82 is retained in position by reason of the fact that it rests low enough between the rollers 81 and drum 66 so that it is not conveniently dislodged. Channel 77 may be moved toward and away from drum 66 to accommodate different diameter rolls 82. For such purpose the ends of channel 77 are apertured and attached by pins 75 to spaced holes 80 in side edge lips 85 of the trough.

To prevent the roll from being pulled forward, rollers 86 are mounted on either side of the machine on angular supports 87 which are received in sleeves 88 on side brackets 89 extending up from the sides of the trough. An adjustment nut 91 may be loosened to permit the supports 87 to be extended relative to sleeve 88 and the angular position of roller 86 adjusted. Bracket 89, sup port 87, and roller 86 retain the roll 82 in place and rollers 86 may be swung out of the way when roll 82 is being installed.

To assemble the device, the channels 22 are placed over one of the frame members 13 with lugs 18 extending up to the gap between the inner ends of the channels. A

pin 92 is fitted through holes in the opposite pair of lugs 18. Screw 61 is then turned in sleeve 33 and the height of trough 46 adjusted as required. Further, the angular relation of the trough relative to the carriage 11 may be changed .as required by turning the trough 46 about the axis of screw 61. If the roof is pitched, handle 39 may be turned until the trough 46 is level. Tar is then installed in the trough 46 and the roller 66 slipped in place, the shaft 71 fitting into the slots 52. Thereupon a roll of felt 82 is placed in the position shown in FIG. 1 and the guide rollers 36 adjusted to fit the roll and prevent its dislodgment.

In use, one end of the web 83 may be drawn over the top of the roller 66 to apply tar carried up from the trough 46 by roller 66 to the underside thereof and anchored to the roof. Thereupon the handle 93 on trough 46 may be pulled and the carriage guided by means of tube 28 lengthwise of the roof. At the end of the stretch, the felt is cut off and the carriage 11 reversed in direction. The operation is continued until the roll 82 or the tar in the trough 46 must be replenished. Adjustments for the pitch of the roof may be made from time to time by turning handle 39. For spreading asphalt or compound, trough 46 may be tipped to disperse material through optional slot 55. For such purposes the pin 92 may be removed and the subframe 21 pivoted upwards until tar spills from slot 55.

As an alternate means of using the machine, the user may grip the web end 83 and pull the felt out of the machine, friction causing drum 66 to revolve and spread compound on the underside of the felt.

What is claimed is:

1. A roofing felt applying machine comprising a carriage having wheels, a trough, means mounting said trough for pivotal movement relative to said carriage about a vertical axis, a drum mounted in said trough rotatable about a horizontal axis with said drum partially extending above said trough, and guide means for mounting a roll of felt with its axis parallel to said drum and the underside of the felt in contact with a portion of said drum above said axis.

2. A machine according to claim 1 in which said firstmentioned means comprises screw means to adjust the elevation of said trough relative to said carriage.

3. A machine according to claim 1 in which said guide means comprises a transverse horizontal support adjacent the top of said trough and rollers rotatably mounted on said support.

4. A machine according to claim 3 in which said support is adjustable in position toward and away from said drum.

5. A machine according to claim 3 which further comprises guides interposed between said drum and a roll of felt on said rollers to prevent displacement of said roll from the machine.

6. A machine according to claim 5 in which said roll guides are adjustable to an inoperable position to permit installation of a roll.

7. A machine according to claim 1 which further comprises a chute offset from and communicating with said trough to add material to said trough.

8. A machine according to claim 1 in which said carriage comprises a main frame and a subframe mounted above said main frame, said subframe including said firstmentioned means, a horizontal shaft, a support for said shaft, and means for turning said shaft about a horizontal axis intersecting and transverse to said vertical axis to tilt said trough relative to said main frame.

9. A machine according to claim 8 which further comprises manually actuated means elevated above said carriage to turn said shaft to adjust said last-named means.

IOTA machine according to claim 8 in which said subframe is mounted on said main frame for tilting moving about a horizontal axis transverse to said shaft and further d comprises removable means to restrain said tilting movement.

11. A machine according to claim 10 in which said trough is formed with a horizontal slot through which contents of said trough is poured when said trough is tilted.

12. A roofing felt applying machine comprising a main frame, support Wheels for said main frame, a subframe above and supported by said main frame, a horizontal shaft rotatably supported in said subframe, means for turning said shaft about its axis, a socket fixed to said shaft, a trough above said subframe, means for supporting said trough in said socket, said means for turning said shaft tilting said trough about the aXis of said shaft relative to said main frame, a drum mounted in said trough rotatable about a horizontal axis with said drum partially extending above said trough, and guide means for mounting 'a roll of felt with its axis parallel to said drum and the underside of the felt in contact with a portion of said drum above said axis.

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13. A machine according to claim 12 which further comprises manually actuated means elevated above said carriage to turn said shaft to adjust said last-named means.

14. A machine according to claim 12 in which said subframe is mounted on said main frame for tilting movement about a horizontal axis transverse to said shaft and further comprises removable means to restrain said tilting movement.

15. A machine according to claim 12 in which said trough is rotatable relative to said subframe about a vertical axis through said socket.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,726,630 12/1955 Dickerson 1l8--235 CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

LEON G. MACHLIN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A ROOFING FELT APPLYING MACHINE COMPRISING A CARRIAGE HAVING WHEELS, A TROUGH, MEANS MOUNTING SAID TROUGH FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID CARRIAGE ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS, A DRUM MOUNTED IN SAID TROUGH ROTATABLE ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS WITH SAID DRUM PARTIALLY EXTENDING ABOVE SAID TROUGH, AND GUIDE MEANS FOR MOUNTING A ROLL OF FELT WITH ITS AXIS PARALLEL TO SAID DRUM AND THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FELT IN CONTACT WITH A PORTION OF SAID DRUM ABOVE SAID AXIS. 